Mumbai: Bollywood’s beloved actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, born on September 21, 1980, in Mumbai, is celebrating her 44th birthday today. Known for her versatility and charm, Kareena has carved a niche for herself in the Indian film industry, despite a rocky start.
Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs
Kareena Kapoor Khan, affectionately known as Bebo, made her film debut in 2000 with the movie ‘Refugee’ alongside Abhishek Bachchan. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, it marked the beginning of her journey in Bollywood. Initially, Kareena faced a series of setbacks with several films not doing well commercially. However, her persistence and talent kept her in the limelight.
Rise to Stardom
Kareena’s first major success came in 2001 with ‘Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai’ opposite Tusshar Kapoor. Despite a string of subsequent flops like ‘Mujhse Dosti Karoge!’, ‘Jeena Sirf Mere Liye’, ‘Talaash: The Hunt Begins’, ‘Khushi’, ‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon’, and ‘LOC Kargil’, her popularity never waned. Her breakthrough role came with ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, where she played the iconic character of Pooja, which remains a fan favorite.
Iconic Roles and Awards
Kareena’s career is adorned with memorable performances in films such as ‘Jab We Met’, ‘We Are Family’, ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’, ‘Kurbaan’, ‘Talaash: The Answer Lies Within’, ‘Heroine’, ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Singham Returns’, ‘Good Newwz’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Bodyguard’, and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. Her portrayal of diverse characters has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including six Filmfare Awards.
A Style Icon
In 2003, Kareena stunned audiences with her bold and glamorous avatar in ‘Chameli’, where she played a sex worker. This role was a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to take on challenging roles and setting a trend for other actresses to follow.
Personal Life and Legacy
Kareena Kapoor Khan is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, and they have two sons, Taimur and Jehangir. Beyond her film career, she is known for her outspoken nature, fashion sense, and philanthropic efforts, including her work with UNICEF to advocate for girls’ education.
As Kareena celebrates her 44th birthday, she continues to be a prominent figure in Bollywood, inspiring many with her journey from a debutante in a flop film to one of the industry’s most respected and successful actresses.
